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Title: PROOF LOAD TESTING IN MICHIGAN
Accession Number: 00746758
Record Type: Component
Availability: Find a library where document is available Abstract: Proof load testing can be used as an efficient method for verifying the minimum strength of existing bridges, particularly structures with questionable load-carrying capacity due to extensive corrosion or other forms of deterioration. For the proof load test to be meaningful, a heavy load must be used. To reduce the risk of collapse during the test, the load is increased in several steps until a prespecified load limit is reached. If the target proof load is reached successfully with no distress, the structure is deemed adequate to support legal loads. Because of the heavy truck loads allowed in Michigan, a proof load of about twice the legal limit is used. It is, however, difficult to find a vehicle that can be loaded to the level of twice the legal load. An innovative idea at the University of Michigan was to use M-60 military tanks, provided by the Michigan National Guard. In all tested bridges, the maximum strains/stresses were much smaller than had been predicted by analysis because of unintended composite action; partial fixity of supports; and additional stiffness due to the presence of parapets, sidewalks, railings, and the like.
Language: English
Corporate Authors: Transportation Research Board 500 Fifth Street, NW Authors: Nowak, A SPagination: p. 20
Publication Date: 1998-1
Serial: Features: Photos
(1)
TRT Terms: Uncontrolled Terms: Geographic Terms: Old TRIS Terms: Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls
Files: TRIS, TRB
Created Date: Mar 19 1998 12:00AM
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